The Horrible Lesson We Accidentally Teach in Kid's Movies

Summary

In this video, the speaker critiques a common trope in animated films: that being different is only valuable if it serves a greater purpose, often as a 'superpower' that benefits society. Using *The Angry Birds Movie* as a key example, the speaker explores how this messaging inadvertently promotes conditional acceptance based on uniqueness. The video also advocates for more nuanced themes in children's movies, citing classics like *Emperor's New Groove* and *Spirited Away*. The speaker calls for a shift away from formulaic moral lessons, encouraging storytelling that emphasizes value without the need for constant moralization.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'be different' trope is overused in kids' films, where characters are often portrayed as outcasts who are ultimately celebrated for their unique qualities.
• 😀 Movies like *The Angry Birds Movie* reinforce the idea that characters must prove their worth by using their differences to help others or save the day.
• 😀 The key issue is that these films often suggest that acceptance depends on the practical value of someone's difference, rather than appreciating difference for its own sake.
• 😀 Films like *Coco* and *Kung Fu Panda* follow a similar arc, where the protagonist’s uniqueness is the key to their ultimate success and acceptance.
• 😀 While these movies have good intentions, they sometimes create a false narrative that people should only embrace their differences if they are useful to others.
• 😀 There is a desire for kids' movies to explore more complex themes, not just the familiar message that 'being different' is inherently valuable.
• 😀 The idea of teaching kids a single, clear lesson may sometimes overshadow the potential for more interesting and varied storytelling in animated films.
• 😀 Films like *Wall-E*, *Up*, *Inside Out*, and *The Emperor's New Groove* are cited as examples of stories that explore more nuanced themes without relying on a one-size-fits-all moral lesson.
• 😀 There is a call for kids' films to move away from forcing a 'lesson' into the narrative and instead focus on making storytelling itself enjoyable and imaginative.
• 😀 The current state of cinema might be suffering from a focus on moralistic lessons at the expense of creative, fun, and diverse narratives that encourage pure storytelling.
• 😀 Ultimately, there’s a reflection on the potential harm of a generation of storytellers growing up with an overemphasis on moral lessons, which may stifle creativity in modern films.

Q & A

What is the main critique the creator makes about 'The Angry Birds Movie'?

The creator argues that the movie presents a flawed message about individuality. While it seems to celebrate being different, it actually suggests that differences are only valuable if they provide a direct benefit to others, particularly the 'normal' majority, creating a conditional acceptance.

Why does the creator analyze children's movies in such depth?

The creator is an English teacher and literature enthusiast who enjoys analyzing thematic elements in media. They also have a personal connection as a parent, wanting to understand what their child absorbs from these movies, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling.

What are the five reasons the creator considers themselves an authority on analyzing animated movies?

1) Holds a bachelor's degree in English and a master's in secondary education focusing on literature. 2) Has written multiple published literary criticism essays. 3) Has a strong sense of nostalgia and emotional connection to animated media. 4) Is a parent who cares about what their child learns from movies. 5) Believes deeply in the transformative power of art.

How does 'The Angry Birds Movie' use the character Red to convey its message?

Red is portrayed as different from the other birds and ultimately uses his unique traits to save the day. The film emphasizes that his difference is only valuable because it benefits the 'normal' birds, reinforcing a conditional meritocracy rather than unconditional acceptance of individuality.

What is the creator's perspective on the common 'it's okay to be different' message in kids' movies?

The creator believes this message is often oversimplified and conditional, implying that differences only matter if they provide tangible benefits. They argue that a more meaningful approach would be teaching that all individuals have inherent value, regardless of how their differences manifest.

Which other movies does the creator cite as examples where the conditional acceptance trope appears?

The creator mentions 'The Emoji Movie,' 'Coco,' 'Harry Potter,' 'The Incredibles,' 'Smallfoot,' 'Turning Red,' 'Kung Fu Panda,' 'Luca,' 'Happy Feet,' 'A Bug's Life,' 'Cars,' 'Mulan,' 'Shrek,' 'Zootopia,' 'Big Hero 6,' 'Hunchback of Notre Dame,' and 'Moana.'

How does the creator differentiate between strengths and weaknesses in characters?

They argue that not all differences are strengths. While movies often frame unique traits as hidden superpowers, in reality, some traits—like anxiety—can be challenging rather than advantageous. The lesson should not be that all differences automatically equate to value or superpower.

What alternative approach to storytelling in kids' movies does the creator suggest?

They suggest creating films that emphasize that everyone has intrinsic value, regardless of differences, and that some movies could focus on being enjoyable without constantly teaching a moral lesson. Storytelling should be inherently valuable beyond imparting explicit life lessons.

Why does the creator include a detailed plot summary of 'The Angry Birds Movie'?

The summary illustrates how the film reinforces the conditional meritocracy message. By describing Red's journey and the roles of other birds, the creator demonstrates how the narrative only values differences when they benefit the dominant society, supporting their critique.

How does the creator connect personal experience to the analysis of these films?

They reference their role as a parent and their personal emotional responses to media, emphasizing that their insights are informed by observing how children process and internalize messages about individuality, heroism, and societal expectations.

What concern does the creator raise about the current era of kids' cinema?

They suggest that modern films often prioritize superficial moral lessons over the inherent value of storytelling. This focus may contribute to a decline in creativity and depth in children's media, with movies frequently delivering predictable messages about being 'special' or 'different.'